Tucked away in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio lies an adventure so unexpected, you’ll feel like you’ve left the Midwest entirely. Welcome to The Wilds, a sprawling 9,000-acre wildlife conservation center where rhinos roam, giraffes graze, and open-air safari trucks rumble through untamed pastures. It’s part nature preserve, part hidden safari park—and 100% unlike anything else in the Buckeye State.
Just a short drive from Columbus or Zanesville, The Wilds redefines the idea of a zoo. Forget glass enclosures and cramped paths. Here, you board a safari vehicle and roll through wide-open fields where the animals live as naturally as possible. The only thing more astonishing than the wildlife is the fact that this place exists at all—right here, in rural Ohio.
What We Love
Open-Air Safari Tours
Climb aboard a guided safari and hold on tight—this is no tame tram ride. You’ll spot cheetahs lounging under trees, camels nibbling on tall grass, and zebras trotting across your path. The best part? The animals often walk right up to the truck for a curious hello.
Up-Close Giraffe Moments
Don’t be surprised if a giraffe leans in to check you out—some even enjoy a gentle nose boop. It’s a surreal, humbling moment that makes you feel like you’re in the Serengeti, not southeastern Ohio.
The Yurts With a View
If a few hours isn’t enough, stay overnight in a luxe yurt overlooking the animal pastures. You’ll fall asleep to a chorus of frogs and wake to zebras grazing in the misty sunrise. Glamping here feels like the start of a dream you don’t want to end.
Flickr / Paul (unless labeled Cathy!)
Ziplines and Horseback Rides
For the thrill-seekers, The Wilds offers more than just quiet animal watching. You can zipline over the valleys or take a guided horseback tour along the ridgelines—because why not channel your inner explorer?
Conservation in Action
Every visit supports a deeper mission: wildlife conservation and education. From endangered rhinos to delicate butterflies, The Wilds is helping protect species that need a fighting chance. It’s meaningful travel that feels good.
Atmosphere & Setting
The Wilds is serene, vast, and wonderfully surprising. Picture golden grasses swaying in the breeze, with herds of antelope dotting the hillsides and the occasional call of a crane echoing across a still lake. There’s no city buzz here—just a peaceful blend of open skies, winding dirt roads, and wildlife doing their thing. The visitor center is modern but blends seamlessly into the natural backdrop, while safari vehicles give you an almost cinematic vantage point. It’s immersive in the best way.
Value (Is It Worth It?)
Absolutely. General safari tours start around $40 for adults and $30 for kids, and they last about 2 to 2.5 hours. Add-ons like ziplining, fishing safaris, or behind-the-scenes experiences come at extra cost, but they’re well worth it if you’re making a full day of it. Families will love the sense of adventure, couples can book romantic overnight stays, and solo travelers get a peaceful, soul-filling escape. Pro tip: if you’re an animal lover or nature enthusiast, this is a must-do.
Tripadvisor / BuckeyeAdventures
Other Considerations
Dress for the weather—tours go rain or shine, and the open-air vehicles mean you’ll want sunscreen, hats, or rain gear, depending on the season. Bug spray is smart in warmer months, and the terrain is hilly, so comfy shoes are a plus. Parking is plentiful and free. There’s a café on-site with sandwiches, snacks, and cold drinks, and picnic tables if you want to bring your own lunch. The Wilds is mostly wheelchair-accessible, but call ahead if you have specific mobility needs—they’re happy to help.
Whether you’re hand-feeding a giraffe or watching a rhino graze in the distance, The Wilds delivers a kind of quiet wonder that sticks with you. It’s a place where the pace slows down, the air feels cleaner, and you’re reminded that wild beauty can bloom in the most unexpected corners of the country.
The Wilds
📍 14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732-9500